So, you’ve graduated from college. You’ve landed your first, adult, full-time job. You’ve saved some money. Buuut you haven’t exactly moved out yet. By you, I’m totally also talking about me. And possibly also you. Perhaps this is a niche post.
Basically, the idea that once you graduate and get a job you should immediately move out is daunting but really common. Of course, not everyone is able to live at their parents’ house post-graduation and not everyone gets a job that’s close to home. And yeah this idea certainly makes sense, I mean once you have an income and are an adult, moving out feels like the next logical step … but it isn’t always for everyone.
For those (like me) who are living at home, working, and unsure of whether or not it’s time to move out, these things might help you decide if it’s something you’re ready for right now. Here are some signs you’re not actually ready to move out.
Your job stability is uncertain
Nothing is ever certain, per se, but if you only recently began your job, have been seeing a few budget cuts, or just generally don’t feel confident you’ll be staying at your job for at least the next three months, now may not be the best time to plan and execute a move … especially because you’ll likely need to take a day off here and there to view apartments and move your belongings.
You’ve been at your job for less than a year
Perhaps you may not be ready to plant roots near your job or in an area with a commute that works for your current job until you’re more comfortable at your workplace.
You don’t have enough saved to furnish an apartment, put down a deposit, and pay a few months’ worth of utilities
Having a bit of a nest egg and a budget planned out before you move can save you a lot of future stress and ensure that when you do move out, you’re able to buy the essentials, like furniture, and keep yourself up to date on rent and utilities should something happen with your main source of income.
You don’t have a roommate nor do you want to live with a stranger
If no one else in your life, be it a partner, sibling, or friend, is moving to the same area as you but has plans to in the near future, there’s no harm in waiting for them to be on the same page as you. If your current situation is comfortable and practical for the time being, there’s no need to move out to live with a stranger or to live alone if that’s not something you particularly want to do.
You really don’t mind your commute
One of the biggest reasons people move is to be closer to where they work, especially if their job is in a different state from where they once lived. But if your current commute is tolerable or pretty great, you might not have a big reason to move out ASAP. Then again, if you’re commuting for over an hour and it’s truly miserable and even costly (gas costs can add up), you might feel differently and have a pretty big incentive to move out.
Read More: 8 pieces of career advice that aren’t as useful as you think
You have no idea what your savings look like and what your budget would be
Before you think about moving out, it’s wise to get your banking information and finances in order. Map out your monthly income and what you spend and how you spend it each month. Figure out how much you have saved. Calculate how much you’d be willing to spend on rent. Remember that when you go hunting for a new place, you’ll need to know a lot about your financials.
Your credit score isn’t great … or you don’t even know what your credit score is
Most of the time landlords, brokers, or whoever will need to know this and it can play a role in whether or not you end up able to sign a lease. In the meanwhile, focus on establishing some credit by opening up a credit card and making payments on time. And, also, check your credit score! It’s free.
You truly can’t envision yourself moving at this point in your life
Simply put, if you can’t even picture yourself living on your own or with a roommate somewhere and you have no real reason to move out RIGHT NOW, try to just save money and enjoy being where you are. For me, when I was in college I was living on my own (with roommates) for four years and I enjoyed the independence and I felt really capable, but that doesn’t mean I NEED to be on my own again right now.
After all, there’s a good chance that once you move out you’ll never live at home again…personally, I’m still enjoying being able to watch TV with my family and eat dinner together and whatnot before I head out on my own.
